Expert-Recommended Top 29 Gifts for Wine Lovers in 2024
Shopping for people who love a particular thing can lead to a very specific conundrum: How do you know if you’re getting them a gift that they’ll actually be excited about? This rings especially true for oenophiles, more commonly known as wine lovers. When it comes to the world of wine, there are a lot of different preferences, tastes, varieties and things to know.
Fortunately, finding the best present doesn’t have to be as complicated — especially when you’re armed with gift recommendations from experts with impeccable taste. These gifts, which include everything from the wine glasses you’ll find at Michelin-starred restaurants to a gadget that can keep an open bottle of wine fresh for years, have been hand-picked by expert sommeliers, winemakers, restaurateurs, hospitality pros and people who just know and love their wine.
Los Angeles-based certified sommelier and wine educator Brianne Cohen describes the Josephine No. 2 as “the sexiest wine glasses.” The universal wine glass, which is perfect for reds and whites alike, comes from the legendary Zalto family, whom she refers to as the GOATs of wine glasses. “Slim and dainty stems with gorgeously crafted bowls are a work of art on their own,” she explains, “and showcase your wines with their precise hand-blown craftsmanship.”
Aaron Thompson, a bartender, sommelier and co-owner of Brother Wolf and Osteria Stella in Knoxville, Tennessee, describes this as “a must for any wine lover who wants to keep their wine fresh.” This nifty gadget uses 100% food-grade argon gas to preserve the freshness of an open bottle of wine for years. “We use the Coravin preservation systems at all three of our restaurants because they work so effectively,” says Thompson. Cohen agrees, sharing that it’s perfect for a household with “differing wine preferences or for the person who likes to switch between different wines.” If you’re shopping for someone who tends to prefer bubbly, there’s also a Coravin system for sparkling wines.
“This is my favorite entertaining showstopper,” shares Sarah Tracey, sommelier at The Lush Life. “This ice mold not only keeps your wine chilled for hours, but it doubles as a gorgeous centerpiece,” she says. “Simply fill it with seasonal fruit, flowers or greenery to wow your guests — it’s a wonderful gift for oenophiles that love to host!”
“This is such a fun idea for a wine-soaked game night, especially if the wine-lover on your list has a competitive streak,” shares Tracey. “With trivia categories like ‘Vine to Vino,’ ‘Wine Cellar’ and ‘Cork Culture,’ players get to flex their wine knowledge while beginners can pick up some wine education.”
Chas Martin, co-founder of Duro Hospitality — the group responsible for Dallas’ highly-anticipated restaurant and bar Mister Charles — recommends this book, which holds “a special place” in his heart. “Back in the day, my professor — who’s a master sommelier now — used it as the go-to teaching material in one of my culinary school classes,” says Martin. “It’s super easy to get into, breaks down major wine regions and just gives you this broad, awesome view — seriously, a game-changer.”
“I love a good wine picnic, and this collapsible bamboo board is the perfect way to enjoy one both indoors and outdoors,” shares Amanda McCrossin, sommelier and host of the Wine Access Unfiltered Podcast. “Place your favorite cheeses and spreads directly on the board and keep your glasses and wine from knocking over in the holders — simple but genius design.”
“One of the best ways to continue learning about wine is by drinking outside of your comfort zone,” says McCrossin, and “a well-curated wine club featuring the recommendations of an unrivaled team of sommeliers is a perfect way to explore without the worry of wondering whether the wine will actually be good.” She recommends Wine Access, which boasts a couple subscription services you can choose from. One of the options is Wine Access Unfiltered, which pairs an episode of McCrossin’s own podcast series with four hand-selected bottles every two months, perfect for anyone hoping to learn about wine straight from the expert source.
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“As a wine glassware expert, I continuously reiterate that decanters are one of the best and most important gifts you could give a wine drinker,” shares Maximilian Riedel, the 11th-generation CEO and president of Riedel. “Decanters are more than mere accessories; they are key tools for getting maximum enjoyment out of wine,” he says. This stunning option is perfect for gifting, especially to those who love to explore different varietals or have an ever-changing wine preference, he explains. “Defined by its ease of use and versatile functionality, it’s ideal for any type of wine, including red, white and Champagne, and can be used to gently decant both older wines and vigorously aerate younger wines.”
“Sabering is such a fun party trick for wine lovers,” shares Desiree Harrison-Brown, a wine educator, influencer and founder of the blog Wino Noire. “Imagine the thrill of slicing open a bottle of Champagne with a sword, sending corks flying and sparking joyous moments.” Martin also recommends a Champagne saber as the perfect celebratory gift. “This adds a touch of French elegance and excitement to any celebration,” he explains, “making for a memorable and unique gift for the bubbly enthusiast in your life.”
“For a slightly more upscale gift, I love to give two glass sets of Gabriel Glas,” shares Ashley Herzberg, winemaker at Avaline. “These glasses are my go-to for writing tasting notes or for a casual glass of wine at home,” she says. “I love them and I love to share them.” They’re also a favorite of McCrossin’s, who refers to them as the little black dress of wine glasses. “A truly great wine glass can really optimize your wine,” she explains, “and this is one of the more affordable well-crafted options, and has that perfect balance of feeling both delicate and durable.”
“True wine lovers know that a lot of the joy of wine discovery lies in exploring pairings,” shares Tracey, “and cheese pairing is a classic way to start evolving your palate.” This subscription from the renowned Murray’s Cheese is available in three different shipping cadences, and each includes a variety of cheeses plus one other accompaniment, selected to pair with that month’s suggested beverage.
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“This is a personal journey through the wines that have most impacted my career and my take on what makes a real Italian wine,” shares Joe Campanale, co-owner of Bar Vinazo, LaLou and Fausto in Brooklyn, New York, and author of this book. “With a focus on indigenous grape varieties and small producers who are working in an organic and artisan method, this book showcases the most exciting wines being produced in Italy today.”
If you’re on the hunt for a practical yet stylish gift, Martin and McCrossin both endorse this corkscrew for wine enthusiasts. According to Martin, the double-pronged wine opener is “irreplaceable for preserving delicate and aged corks from vintage wines”. McCrossin also approves of this choice: “As a sommelier who has opened thousands of old wine bottles throughout my career, I can attest that this device is a lifesaver.”
The best wine openers of 2024
“This two-book set is a terrific present for anyone who is interested in gaining a deep understanding about wine,” comments Thompson. It extensively discusses the current scenario around wine in France. He further adds, “The book is filled with interesting stories about winemaker families in France and the various winemaker personalities. Plus, the photography is absolutely stunning.”
Tracey speaks highly of these sea salt spice blends created by Barton Seaver, a renowned chef and author, which are designed to complement and bring out the flavor of your choice of wine. She regards them as the perfect treats for wine-loving cooks or cooking aspirants on your gift list.
McCrossin deems this glass as the pinnacle of opulence and exceptional design, explaining that for a full olfactory and gustatory experience of Champagne, a tulip-shaped glass is actually superior to flutes or coupes. This singular piece allows for visibility of the bubbles which are accentuated nicely in its slender base – similar to a flute. The multiple turns leading up to the wider opening make it the perfect Champagne vessel, in her opinion.
Campanale speaks about her friend named Victoria James – a wine director and partner at Cote and Coqodaq. James co-founded an organization that supports women and the BIPOC community within the wine industry. She believes that amplifying more voices in the industry is advantageous for every wine enthusiast.
As a vintner, Herzberg prefers to include a small bonus when gifting a wine bottle. One of her favourite treats to give is a budget-friendly but classy bottle cooler. She believes that it makes a nice addition to her friends’ kitchens and maintains its appeal even when it isn’t being used.
Cohen suggests a wine club membership from Theopolis Vineyards which is owned by a Black woman and located near the border of Mendocino and Sonoma counties. She holds in high regard the petite sirah created by thewinery’s founder and owner, Theodora Lee. She describes it as an exceptional wine that has earned more awards than one can imagine.
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“Never wince or poke a hole in the ceiling again,” says McCrossin. “Simply place this device on top of the Champagne bottle, hold the neck and press the button, and the device will do the rest.” And while useful for most people, it’s a particularly great tool for those with limited mobility or conditions that make gripping a challenge.
“Say goodbye to half-dry wine glasses,” says Harrison-Brown. “These silicone drying racks are designed with openings to allow you to thoroughly air dry your wine glasses.” And as a bonus? They also work great for water bottles, tumblers and protein shakers.
There’s also this option from Kohler. “I purchased this not knowing whether I would actually use it,” says McCrossin, “and now I can’t remember my life without it.” This drying rack fits up to six glasses — even those with a super-wide base — and allows you to let your glasses dry without worry of knocking them over. “It folds completely flat, feels super sturdy and can be stored easily under the sink,” says McCrossin.
“A good crystal wine glass that works for most occasions is an always welcome gift idea,” says Thompson. Riedel is appreciated for its clever and functional design – each aspect, including the shape and size, is designed with the intention of accentuating specific types of wines and their fragrances. “These Riedel glasses are ideal for both white and red wines, and a great starting point for wine novices,” he adds.
Though it may first appear to be a book about architecture, McCrossin explains that it offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of some of the most respected, noted, and stunning wineries and residences in Napa Valley. “This collective of architects from Napa Valley is well-renowned in the wine industry,” states McCrossin. “This is the ideal coffee table book, whether you wish to reminisce about a wine tasting trip, look forward to an upcoming one, or get an insider’s perspective on some of the world’s most exclusive wineries.”
For the individuals who would prefer to be indulging in a glass of wine on a vineyard rather than anywhere else, Harrison-Brown suggests this sweatshirt that highlights regions from some of the leading wine-producing nations.
A handsome wine decanter magnifies the wine drinking experience,” says Thompson, who encourages this graceful yet reasonably priced option that has the capacity to hold a full bottle of wine. “This decanter has a simple design with clean lines, and it’s effortless to pour from,” he remarks. “We recommend decanting young wines that are packed with character to allow them to breathe and thus reveal more of their concealed fragrances.”
Harrison-Brown describes this as “the top-rated wine text for beginners and experts alike.” The writer “guides you around the planet, experimenting with wines, cuisines, cultures, and more,” leading to an exciting, but incredibly enlightening and enjoyable read.
“Alice Feiring is the authority on organic wines and I’ve subscribed to her newsletter for several years,” remarks Campanale. “She just relocated to Paris to be nearer to the organic wine universe’s epicenter and I am eager to read her updates. Her passion and support for natural wines are not because they’re trendy or appealing, but because she appreciates fine wine.”
“This one is a bit extravagant, but for when you wish to amaze a wine enthusiast,” mentions Tracey. “Known for their exquisitely designed knives, Laguiole produces the ultimate standard of wine openers — items that are meant to become heirlooms.” This beauty is designed with a green malachite stone circle.
The 46 most luxurious gifts that are pricier but definitely worth the money
First Sneak Peek: Amex’s Largest Centurion Lounge in Atlanta Offering Whiskey and Outdoor Seating
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American Express is opening its largest Centurion Lounge yet at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) tomorrow, Feb. 14, 2024. The lounge is a whopping 26,000 square feet and a welcome addition to Delta’s largest hub, which is known for overcrowded Delta Sky Clubs.
Related article: How to upgrade your vacation and save money with Amex Travel
The lounge is a step above the rest of the lounges in Amex’s network too. It has multiple outdoor spaces, a whiskey bar, locally inspired food and several other amenities that make for a luxurious pre-departure experience. The opening will mark the 28th lounge in the Centurion Lounge network.
“This lounge is a reflection of everything we have learned over the past ten years in the lounge business about our customers, the way they travel and the way they use the lounges,” says Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel. “This is our largest and most innovative space to date, offering travelers the first-ever whiskey bar in a Centurion Lounge and our first-ever outdoor terraces.”
CNN Underscored just attended a media event at the Atlanta Centurion Lounge a day before the lounge opens to the public, and needless to say, we were impressed. Let’s take a look at Amex’s newest lounge and what to expect on your first visit.
Entering the Atlanta Centurion Lounge has the same requirements as entering any other Centurion Lounge: You’ll need a boarding pass for a flight departing in the next three hours, and the right Amex card.
Your ultimate guide to the American Express Membership Rewards program.
You can enter the lounge with the The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express — both cards provide unlimited access for primary account holders and authorized users. You can earn guest privileges by spending $75,000 on your card in a single calendar year, or you can pay $50 per guest ($30 for children between 2 and 17).
You can also enter the lounge with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card if you’re flying with Delta. Access is provided to primary card members and authorized users.
Don’t have a qualifying card but want to enter the lounge? Consider applying for a new card:
How you can access some of the world’s best airport lounges in 2024
As mentioned, the Atlanta Centurion Lounge is a whopping 26,000 square feet, making it a significant addition to the world’s busiest airport, Atlanta. This lounge is a major part of the bank’s expanding airport lounge network. Let’s take a peek inside.
Located in Atlanta’s Concourse E near gate E11, the lounge can be accessed from all Atlanta concourses. Regardless of your airline, you can utilize the lounge, just use the airport’s Plane Train system for far gates.
Finding the lounge should be easy, thanks to its large facade that was concealed during the media preview. Standout with a large American Express logo outside, you shouldn’t encounter any problem locating the lounge.
Upon entering the lounge, you’ll encounter American Express’ signature living wall adjacent to the check-in counter. Ensure to have your boarding pass and eligible Amex card ready for check-in.
There’s no shortage of seating in this lounge — a huge perk given how busy Atlanta’s airport is. Seating is divided by section. There are three small seating areas immediately following the check-in area. Here, you’ll find a mixture of lounge chairs, couches, and standard dining-style tables.
The main room — which has a real olive tree in the middle — has a variety of tables and booths. This is a great area to enjoy a meal or a drink away from the dining room and bar, which could get loud during peak travel hours.
The dining room has plenty of room to enjoy a meal. It’s surrounded by two buffets and a coffee station, and there’s a full-service bar that serves cocktails, beer, and wine.
You’ll also find phone booths and workstations to the right of the dining room. Head here if you need to take a Zoom call or otherwise get work done during your time at the Atlanta Centurion Lounge.
There’s also a whiskey bar — dubbed The Reserve — near the front of the lounge. I’ll discuss its drink offerings in the next section, but it also has bar and table seating for you to enjoy a drink or two.
But perhaps the best part of the lounge is the outdoor seating. There’s a large terrace overlooking the tarmac and another attached to the whiskey bar. Both are heated in the winter and have plenty of seating, so you can enjoy some fresh air before your flight.
Atlanta-based chef Deborah VanTrece created the food menu for this lounge, and all the food we tried was solid. She’s also the chef behind Atlanta restaurants like Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours, Oreatha’s at the Point and La Panarda.
All food is served buffet-style. On the day of the media event, we were treated to za’atar grilled chicken thighs, black-eyed pea biryani and baked mac and cheese, among other Southern-inspired dishes. There are also desserts, fruit, cheese and other snacks available.
Of course, there’s no shortage of drinks. There are two self-service coffee and water stations on opposite ends of the lounge. Both drip coffee and espresso are available. Coffee is provided by Georgia-based Rev Coffee Roasters.
But the bars are the real star of the show. The main bar serves craft beer, cocktails and wines, and there’s a selection of nonalcoholic cocktails available too. Drinks are complimentary for patrons.
Things get more interesting when you visit The Reserve, the lounge’s whiskey bar. It’s in a separate room toward the front of the lounge, and it serves a variety of unique cocktails and special whiskeys. Some whiskeys on offer include Four Roses, Whistle Pig 6 Year and Rowan’s Creek, among many others.
The quality of the food and drink is on par with what you’ll find at other lounges, but the whiskey bar is a unique touch that sets the lounge apart from other Centurion Lounges.
Your ultimate guide to the American Express Membership Rewards program
The Atlanta Centurion Lounge is an excellent addition to American Express’ lounge network. Refreshed amenities and outdoor space make it a truly unique space in the Atlanta airport, and it shows the company’s commitment to providing card members with an upgraded travel experience.
I hope that American Express will update some of the older lounges in its network. Some of the older Centurion Lounges — namely, the lounges in Charlotte, Miami and Los Angeles — are starting to feel dated when compared to the competition. Bringing older Centurion Lounges up to the Atlanta lounge’s design standard would be a huge upgrade across the board.
Click here for rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card.
Click here for rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum card.
Click here for rates and fees of the Delta Reserve card.
Click here for rates and fees of the Delta Business Reserve card.
Looking for a travel credit card? Find out which cards CNN Underscored Money chose as the best travel credit cards currently available.
Delicious Valentine’s Day Cocktail Recipes from Buckeye Vodka
Feb. 13—This Valentine’s Day Buckeye Vodka is unveiling two cocktail recipes that are perfect for enjoying with your significant other.
From a rich and indulgent Cherry Chocolate Espresso Martini to a fiery Firebomb shot, these two concoctions are set to deliver warmth and pleasure from within.
Cherry Chocolate Espresso Martini
Components:
2 oz. Buckeye Vodka
2 oz. Kahlua
2 oz. Espresso
Pink sugar
Melted chocolate
Cherries for garnish
Directions: Add all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice. Rim glass with melted chocolate and pink sugar. Shake it up and strain into a martini glass. Skewer cherries and garnish.
Buckeye Firebomb
Ingredients:
—2 oz Buckeye Vodka
—4 oz Orange juice
—3 oz Maraschino cherry juice
2 dashes of your favorite hot sauce
Cherry jam
Tajín
Pink sanding sugar
Directions: Rim four shot glasses with cherry jam, Tajín and sanding sugar. Add a maraschino cherry to each shot glass. Combine all ingredients with ice into a shaker, and mix. Pour into shot glasses and enjoy!
Buckeye Vodka is an Ohio made vodka that is distilled 10 times — giving a smooth taste that mixes perfectly with any cocktail.
The company is celebrating Valentine’s Day with giveaways on their TikTok page. All you have to do is answer a trivia question for a chance to win a Buckeye Vodka prize pack including a $50 gift card for a dinner for two at one of Buckeye Vodka’s restaurant partners.
For more information about Buckeye Vodka, visit www.buckeyevodka.com.
Expansion News: Charlotte-area Brewery to Open Second Location with In-house Restaurant and Outdoor Beer Garden
A Charlotte-area brewery that opened during the pandemic plans to build a second location featuring a microbrewery, restaurant and an outdoor beer garden.
Royal Bliss Brewing owner Larry Griffin also plans a musical stage in the front yard of his Royal Bliss II project located at 19149 West Catawba Ave., near Lake Norman in Cornelius, town planning documents show.
Cornelius town planners on Monday recommended the Cornelius Board of Commissioners approve the concept plan at a future meeting.
Construction could be finished by late 2025, Cornelius Today reported.
Royal Bliss II is planned to occupy nearly 3-acres of unused land adjacent to the long-awaited Junker multi-family project to the south, an office structure to the east, and a boat repair shop and power substation to the north, as detailed in municipal planning documents.
The proposed restaurant and microbrewery would span 10,000 square feet. To put it in perspective, an average McDonald’s restaurant occupies 4,000 square feet.
A sidewalk, measuring 5-feet in width, is in the plans along the frontage of the property, which will join with the already existing sidewalk on Harbor View Drive.
According to The Cornelius Land Use Plan, the property’s primary function would be to host restaurants.
The Planning Board on Monday recommended that amplified outdoor music be allowed from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and prohibited after 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays.
Discover the Ideal Snow Day Cocktail: An Easy Rum Drink Recipe
While a big winter storm is hitting the northeast, you don’t have to be experiencing a snow day to enjoy this storm cloud of a cocktail. A Dark ’n Stormy is an easy drink to make (and worth putting your winter boots on to go get the ingredients if you don’t already have them).
Get a tropical vibe even if you’re snowed in with a Dark ‘n Stormy cocktail.
The Dark ’n Stormy was born in Bermuda and features Goslings dark rum floating on top of spicy ginger beer. Visually, it looks like a looming storm cloud, and it’s similar to a Moscow Mule, except with rum instead of vodka. The addition of lime gives it a bit of tartness and cuts the sugar of the ginger beer.
Fun fact: the Dark ’n Stormy is actually a trademarked cocktail by Goslings and must contain Goslings Black Seal Rum in order to be called one. According to Goslings, their flagship Black Seal Rum has become synonymous with Bermuda. You can find it in Bermuda fish chowder, in a Bermuda Rum Swizzle and of course as an essential ingredient in the Dark ’n Stormy.
If you can find it, Goslings Black Seal Rum Artist Edition is a beautiful bottle featuring a colorful collage. Created in collaboration with Bermuda artists Nhuri Bashir and Domico Watson it features icons pulled directly from vintage Goslings ads and bottle labels. (Very cool!)
Goslings Black Seal Rum Artist Edition
Ready to make a Dark ’n Stormy? Here’s what you need:
Have you tried making a Dark ’n Stormy? Let me know how it came out in the comments!
Michael Bublé Opens Up About Whiskey, Music, Mushrooms and His Love for ‘Spicy Margarita’
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Canadian superstar singer Michael Bublé thinks he has a global smash on his hands with “Spicy Margarita,” his collaboration with Jason Derulo. The pair performed the Latin-flavoured banger together last week on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and recently shared their mutual respect by getting tattoos of the other — Derulo got a Bublé face on his neck and Bublé the word “DARULO” across his forehead. “You spelled it wrong!” a mock-disappointed Derulo declares in the comedic clip as their single plays in the background.
The song samples Bublé’s cover of “Sway,” made famous by Dean Martin, which the crooner covered on his 2001 debut jazz album, “BaBalu,” and appears on appears on Derulo’s guest-packed collab album, “Nu King,” out Feb. 16.
Continuing the alcohol theme, Bublé teamed with Master distiller and blender Paul Cirka to create his own brand of hard liquor, Fraser and Thompson Whiskey, named after the two rivers in his native British Columbia where he spent time as a kid with his beloved grandfather, the man he credits for introducing him to jazz and swing standards. The spirit is a blend of 8% Kentucky bourbon and 92% Canadian whisky [believe it or not, the spelling of whisky or whiskey depends on where the whisky or whiskey in question was made — ed.].
No ragrets. Drink responsibly. #spicymargarita pic.twitter.com/OwgqQumsZK
But Bublé was also involved in an accidental incident involving a different substance, mushrooms. Earlier this month, while in Toronto for the NHL All Star Game weekend — co-captaining Team Hughes with Vancouver Canucks’ Quinn Hughes — he found himself a global headline after a joke he made to a roomful of sports reporters was taken seriously.
“My buddy told me, ‘This is just a microdose of mushrooms’ and he was lying,” he quipped, sitting next to fellow celebrity captain, actor Will Arnett. “So, I’ll be honest, I thought I was in ‘Blades of Glory’ for most of the time that I was out there, until it sort of settled down. And then I realized, ‘Holy shit. I am at the NHL All-Star Game!’”
As he soon found out, the joke went over many people’s heads.
The singer and owner of his own junior hockey team, the Vancouver Giants, spoke with Variety discussing topics including going viral, creating a hit song with Derulo, his endeavor to create a female-centric whiskey brand, his enthusiasm for the Professional Women’s Hockey League, and what the future holds.
Am I addressing the viral sensation, Michael Bublé? You created quite a buzz with your comment about mushrooms. Yes, I did cause some stir! In my view, I am genuinely living my best life.
We may need to donate your brain to science. I’m carefree and just living in the moment, and having an amazing time. I guess the sports media wasn’t ready for that. They were probably expecting generic responses, like “I’ll do my best to show up and give 99%.”
Let’s discuss another topic: Your whiskey brand. I don’t usually drink whiskey, but I think I’d try an alcoholic beverage from your Bubly brand. Are you abstaining completely from alcohol, or just whiskey?
I need a wimpy whiskey.
Can I tell you something? Honestly, you need to be prepared to start liking whiskey because I made a whiskey for you — I’m not kidding. When we designed this, it was [intended] for people who don’t really love whiskey. It’s really smooth and it has a nice sweetness at the end. And the truth is, my wife would tell me the same thing: “Mike, I don’t like it. It’s too strong. It’s harsh.” And then I made her first Old Fashioned for her and she went nuts. By the way, I made it with Bubly. I put a bunch of orange Bubly, a little bit of brown sugar, a little bit of bitters and I smash a little orange peel and mixed it up. It is so yummy. You might like that.
It sounds like I would, actually. I’m reading the description of it: “Offers delicate aromas with hints of fig, blood orange and vanilla. The palate is smooth and creamy with rich, complex flavours of caramel, sweet vanilla, light oak and a hint of spice.” You can smell all those things? Fig? Blood orange?
We literally spent three years reverse engineering a whiskey for people that don’t like whiskey — that was the thing. Listen, we understand what the whiskey connoisseurs want and I get what a $2,000 Pappy Van Winkle tastes like, but that’s not what we were doing. We wanted to make a really approachable whiskey at an affordable price [$29.99 U.S.]. I kept asking my partners, “What is the goal?,” and they kept saying, “We want something that tastes amazing, that gives people value for flavor.” I’m telling you, this is gonna work for me because I stayed out of their way enough — I did not mess with them [laughs] as we were actually making this. And, one of our real honest [goals] was hoping to make something that women liked.
You’re cheating on your whiskey with the margarita. How did Jason Derulo end up contacting you and what was your idea was for “Spicy Margarita”?
It was really organic, to be honest. I’ve known Jason for 13, 14 years. I always liked what he did — I think I had a bigger impact on him, probably, because I’m a little older. I think he actually thought about becoming a jazz singer as a younger guy. And I’ve always wanted to take the love and reverence I have for the great American songbook to jazz. I knew this was the root of modern music; I knew that this is where rap, R&B, pop, hip-hop all comes from. So I know that if you take care of it, you can mash these things up and they can work — not just work, but it can slap.
And so, when he called me and said, “Let’s do something,” he had a completely different idea in mind. I just said to him, “Jay, you’re the king of your thing, man, and I’ve got my lane; why are we not finding a way to bring this together to unite this music?” I might have been a little harsh in what I said to him — and I was harsh because I know he’s smart — but he came back to me two days later and he was so excited. It was very sweet. He was like, “Dude, I listened to what you said and you’re right. It works. I have something.”
Was the sample of “Sway” from your first album your idea?
We looked at the songbook, at all these great jazz songs that I [cover], and we just started looking at samples that we thought would be great. And, by the way, it turns out that that song, for me personally, is one of the biggest streaming songs every single year. So it was a no-brainer. I did the reinterpretation of my part; he came up with his writers with his part, and then we met in the middle, basically.
Actually, I should go further [in telling the story]. I sent him the recording. I did all the orchestration with my partner Nicholas Jacobson-Larson, he went in with an orchestra, and we sent that to them and just let them use all those parts. When I got through with it, I was excited, but Jason said that it could be better. I was like, “What do you mean?” He said, “Mike, you’re singing like a pop singer” — because, you know, I have two sort of styles — and he was right. He was like, “I don’t want Michael Bublé in Jason’s Derulo’s world, and I don’t wanna be in your world either. Be Michael Bublé.” So I went back in, rerecorded it and that’s what you have now. And that’s why I think we’re about to have a big global hit.
You were recently an NHL celebrity captain, involved with the draft pick, etc. Is it fun to step into a different world?
Yeah, but [hockey] is my world. It really is. I’ve owned a junior hockey team for many years now. A lot of my life is spent behind the scenes of this sport. Everyone knows I’m a [Vancouver] Canucks fan, but really, I’m a hockey fan and my goal and my love of this sport is to help to continue to grow it.
Have you seen a Professional Women’s Hockey League game yet?
Yeah. I went and was hacky-sacking with the ladies backstage before the game.
Every PWHL game is selling out instantly. It’s amazing.
It’s such an entertaining [game]. They’re such great players. I mean, I’ve got two daughters and it gives me so much hope. It was fun last night, there was a guy named Brian Troche, that you might not know, but one of the greatest who ever played. And I was so excited to meet him and he gave me a hug and he said, “You know what I like about you? Your music’s OK, but number one, I like that you’re a girl dad, and I know you’re a good girl dad.” So that meant a lot to me. And I just love this whole thing of getting hockey in the community and really getting our kids out.
Are you writing new music with anyone now or going in the studio?
I’ve got a lot of stuff on my plate that might not have as much to do with music, but music is my love — and I have a big idea, but that idea is gonna take time. What I wanna do is more of an event. And I wanna make sure that when I do that, that I give everyone the time to be ready for it.
Very intriguing. Well, lay off the mushrooms. Stick to the whiskey.
[laughs]. Thank you. And do me a favor, try that whiskey with a little bit of what I said. And believe it or not, I even hired the coolest mixologist in the world, and he taught me how to make a spicy margarita with Fraser & Thompson. So I have left no stone unturned.
Linda Robson’s Struggle with Security Over a Rum Bottle in M&S Unveiled
She was forced to take a two-year break from ITV due to her condition. Fortunately, she was able to turn her life around and recently marked four years of sobriety.
During an interview with OK!, she opened up about her tumultuous relationship with alcohol and its impact on her mental health. She reminisced about her time in the facility stating, “This lovely nurse took me for a walk and I went into M&S at Marylebone station.”
Finding herself without any possessions, she found herself unable to make payments. She shared, “I had no money, but I asked for a bottle of rum, downed it on the spot, and the security guard had to wrestle it away from me.”
She added that she was struggling mentally, and confessed, “I was in a bad place. I was on suicide watch.”
READ MORE: Coronation Street star shares emotional health update after 3 year cancer battle
The star went on to recognise that her mental health affected her family – including her daughters and grandchildren.
She said: “I felt so bad for what I’d done to everyone who loved me.”
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They have all reunited and even celebrated her success earlier this month having a family meal.
Despite her dark days she has made it to the other side and is now a regular on the popular female chat show.
Linda confessed Stacey Solomon would sweetly ring her up and check in as well as the likes of Jane Moore and Nadia Sawalha.
In her new book Truth Be Told: Tales From A Baggy Mouth, she shares intriguing narratives regarding her personal life and professional journey.
She has candidly discussed both her highs and lows, including the end of her marriage.
Looking back at those moments while writing her book occasionally became overwhelming. She admitted: “The process was especially difficult while recording the audiobook – I found myself unable to stop the tears.”
Discovering Montecucco Sangiovese Wines: An Affordable Alternative to High-End Wines
Some wines feature the name of the grape on the label.
Others list the place where the wine was made.
Then there’s Montecucco Sangiovese.
The name of these outstanding Italian red wines packs in a lot of information.
They describe exactly where these wines come from – Montecucco.
They list the name of the grape used primarily to make them – sangiovese.
But that’s just the start.
In order for a wine to be called a Montecucco Sangiovese, they need to meet several other strict requirements.
We’ll get to those rules in a second.
All you need to remember for now is these wines taste great. And best of all, they cost far less (often in the $15 to 35 per bottle range) than many other red wines from other nearby Italian wine regions.
So this week, it’s all about Montecucco Sangiovese wines – where they come from, how they’re made, as well as tasting notes for four Montecucco Sangiovese wines.
Hope you enjoy.
Where do Montecucco Sangiovese wines come from?
Montecucco is the name of the wine region where these wines come from in Italy. Specifically, Montecucco is located near the west coast of central Italy in the southern part of Tuscany about 100 miles north of Rome. This subregion of Tuscany produces many different types of wines, including a wide range of reds, whites and roses. Many of these wines from Montecucco also have one thing in common – most of them cost far less than many other wines from Tuscany, which makes this wine region a great one worth keeping an eye out for in wine stores and restaurants.
What grapes are Montecucco Sangiovese wines made with?
As you may have already guessed, the primary grape used to make Montecucco Sangiovese wines is sangiovese. Specifically, Montecucco Sangiovese wines must contain at least 90 percent sangiovese grapes. As for the other 10 percent, merlot or cabernet sauvignon are often blended with sangiovese to make these memorable wines.
Other winemaking requirements
Along with coming from a particular place and being made with specific types of grapes, several other regulations apply to Montecucco Sangiovese wines. All of these wines must be aged for at least 17 months, including at least 12 months in a wine barrel. And in order to be called a Montecucco Sangiovese Riserva wine, they must be aged for at least 34 months, including two years in a wine barrel and six months in a wine bottle. In addition, these wines must have at least 13 percent alcohol. But enough about the rules. Let’s get to how these wines taste.
2016 Podere Montale Montecucco Sangiovese ($27 Suggested Retail Price)
This intense, dark-colored red wine has a wide range of bold, earthy, vibrant fruit flavors, including hints of roasted blackberry and cherry along with dashes of fresh-cut cedar and dark chocolate. Full-throttled fun in a bottle.
2018 Poggio Stenti Tribulo Montecucco Sangiovese ($29 SRP)
Made entirely with sangiovese grapes, this lively, energetic wine has a wonderful array of vivacious flavors, including toasted almonds fresh-picked cherries, blueberries and other ripe berry flavors. Graceful and charming.
2016 Pian Di Staffa Montecucco Sangiovese Riserva ($25 SRP)
Another Montecucco Sangiovese made entirely with sangiovese wines, this complex, red wine has a lot of character and personality. Flavors range from dark chocolate and roasted cherries to layers of roasted red pepper, blackberries and toasted almonds. Delicious and delightful.
2016 Tenuta L’Impostino Viandante Montecucco Sangiovese Riserva ($35 SRP)
Made entirely with sangiovese grapes aged for 24 months in French oak barrels, this wine is bright and lively, tasting like autumn in a glass. With hints of blackcurrant, cherry, tobacco, and dark chocolate, it is another beautiful, elegant example of an aged sangiovese wine.
Free Italian Wine Tasting – Provisions in Northampton is hosting a free wine tasting focused on Italian wines. The event will take place on Friday, Feb. 16 from 4 pm to 7 pm, located at 30 Crafts Avenue. More event details can be found on Provision’s website.
High Score, Low Price – Table & Vine is hosting a wine tasting class featuring highly-rated wines that are less than $20 a bottle. The tasting will occur on Thursday, Feb., 22 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm at 1119 Riverdale Street, West Springfield. Tickets are $20 and can be bought on Table & Vine’s website.
Boston Wine Expo – The Boston Wine Expo will be held March 2 and 3 at the Hilton Boston Park Plaza Hotel, 50 Park Plaza, Boston. Wine tastings will be held each day, along with specialized wine tasting seminars at different times throughout the weekend. For tickets and more information, visit the Boston Wine Expo’s website.
Cheers!
Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com every Monday and in The Republican’s Weekend section every Thursday.
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Taylor Swift’s Super Bowl After-Party: Vodka Cranberries and Chicken Fingers Until Dawn
While Taylor Swift was notably chugging beers at the Super Bowl, she later switched to her customary vodka cranberry to celebrate her boyfriend’s victory at an expensive nightclub post-game.
After the Kansas City Chiefs overcame the San Francisco 49ers in overtime, tight end Travis Kelce was seen reveling in the team’s third Super Bowl triumph with his pop star girlfriend at Resorts World Las Vegas and Zouk Nightclub, the location of the official post-game party.
As reported by The Sun, the pair continued to party into the wee hours and later visited XS Nightclub nearby. Taylor Swift certainly holds the musical talent in the relationship, but Kelce was seen on stage with famous DJ Marshmello too. They even danced to Swift’s track “Love Story” earlier in the evening.
The party allegedly didn’t end until past 5 a.m., and the couple indulged in some late-night chicken fingers, as reported by a source from the nightclub.
If you can’t find joy in a video of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce dancing to Love Story that then pans to Jason Kelce on stage with Marshmello while wearing a wrestling mask then you need to reevaluate some things. pic.twitter.com/By7qpeBgbF
— Rob Dauster (@RobDauster) February 12, 2024
Before the official after party, Swift and Kelce celebrated on the field with a sweet kiss.
“Oh my god. I can’t believe that. I can’t believe it. How did you do that?” Taylor reportedly told her tight end BF. “I’m so proud of you?”
According to Entertainment Tonight, Travis reportedly asked, “Was it electric?”
Who would’ve thought that in 2024 we will see videos of Taylor dancing at club to Love Story and You Belong With Me with her footballer boyfriend!!! pic.twitter.com/kPALmqViBi
— Taylor Throwbacks (@ThrowbackTaylor) February 12, 2024
“Unbelievable,” Taylor replied. “It was unbelievable. That was the craziest thing I’ve ever seen.” During the game, Swift cheered on Kelce alongside pals Blake Lively and Ice Spice, as well as her parents, and Travis’ whole family. She was seated in one of the $2.5 million Allegiant Stadium suites, which Kelce hinted at paying for during a recent “New Heights” podcast episode.
“I’m not really doing much different other than just counting how much money I’m spending on this damn Super Bowl for family and friends to come,” Kelce said.
The luxe suites had an equally high-end menu, which included a shrimp cocktail tower, king crab fried rice, lobster and steak quesadillas, and a wagyu loaded hot dog that was topped with crispy onions, banana peppers, and wagyu brisket burnt ends. Taylor was *clearly* eating well.
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Beer Nut: Exploring My Top Six Favorite Beer Glasses
Columnist George Lenker shares his favorite beer glasses. George Lenker
As I’ve mentioned over the years, I’m not overly fussy about my glassware for beer.
Don’t get me wrong: The choice of the right glassware can certainly enhance certain types of beer. And whenever I can, I try to use the glassware that is made for a specific style. I just refuse to be priggish about it. In the end, a good beer isn’t going to be ruined by the wrong type of glassware.
But after receiving a gift of a proper Guinness imperial pint glass from one of my favorite pubs (Tig Coili) in Galway, Ireland, I had occasion to reshuffle my four shelves of beer glassware, and I was appreciating some of them quite a bit. (The glass I received was the old-school Guinness pint glass, a style which has been largely phased out in the U.S. and can usually only be procured by pubs in Ireland.)
This reshuffling activity inspired me to write this column, which is about my six favorite beer glasses. I own more but wanted to feature the ones I find most useful. (Even though it is clearly beloved, my new Guinness glass was not included here.)
In no particular order, here are my six go-to beer glasses.
Mug – I don’t use this one often, but with its thick glass walls and easy-to -grip handle, my mug (an old-timer from Young’s & Co.) I’ve maybe had this longer than most of my current collection due to occasional breakage during my many moves in my adult life. It’s great for most conventional ales and lagers, but has also seen a stout or Scottish ale at various points of its lengthy career. It keeps cold beer colder by keeping your hands off the glass itself. It also makes one feel like a pirate or Viking while quaffing from it.
Snifter – I have several of these, but my favorite is one I got from the Northampton Brewery during its 25th anniversary celebration years ago. It has a little bit of a tulip rim to it, which I like, but the overall upward and inward taper of the glass’ shape still channels the brew’s aromatic volatiles right to your nose. This glass is perfect for IPAs with a lot of aromatic hops and many types of Belgian beers. I call it a “wine lover’s glass” because you can swirl your beer around in it like wine and cognac aficionados are prone to doing.
Pilsner – This piece of glassware was part of my collection for the Northampton Brewery’s 25th anniversary. The pilsner glass, with its tall and sleek design, is best for displaying the bubbles in highly carbonated drinks. These glasses are specifically designed for lighter, more revitalizing beers, a fact that their shape only emphasizes. Although they can be utilized for hefeweizens, I refrain from doing so as I prefer using a different glassware…
Weizen Glass – My feelings towards wheat beers are mixed, but occasion calls for a good Weizenbock or hefeweizen and they deserve their own special vessels. Unlike the slim and narrow pilsner glasses that expand evenly towards the mouth of the glass, Weizen glasses have curves similar to a 1940s pin-up starlet. These glasses can hold more liquid and are perfect to maintain the frothy heads typical of weizens. My favourite version of this glass style is from the much-loved but sadly missed Sierra Grille.
Tulip – I recently added this type of glass to my collection. I own a few snifters and typically use those for beers like Belgian ales, double IPAs and other aromatic brews, which the tulip glasses are designed for. But I was drawn to the elegance of this tulip glass during a visit to Couch Dog Brewing in Salem, so I purchased one. The tulip leads in some aspects, particularly its stem that keeps your hand’s warmth away from the bowl if needed. Plus, I adore its beautiful design which includes an etched dog on the glass.
Nonic Pint Glass – Last, but definitely not least, the Nonic pint glass is the one I use the most. Like many beer enthusiasts, I have a number of standard American pint glasses adorned with brewery logos. However, the nonic glass, with its little bump near the top makes me feel like I am in an old British pub. I have quite a few of these, but my favorite is from the legendary British brewery, Fuller’s.
What are your favorite pieces of glassware that you own? Reach me at geolenker@yahoo.com
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